intervention strategies for renovation of social housing estates

Physical measures for renovation of social housing estates Chapter 8
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provided. These directions are general preconditions for implementation of more effective
renovations strategies, thus to employ the matrix of physical measures.
The purpose of the matrix is to support the decision making process of institutions and other
parties (like housing associations and architects) and to improve the knowledge on
renovation. It is structured assembling the physical measures adopted in the Dutch examples
of renovation described in the previous chapters. According to their purpose, all the 49
measures are gathered into four groups: physical aspects, appearance, energy efficiency and
social aspects.
To the level of transformation to be achieved in a residential block (standard, profound or
radical transformation) can be matched a renovation approach (renovation-light, high-level
and envelope directed). A table lists all the measures and their possible match to one of the
approaches. Clearly, being only based on the projects presented in this study, the table does
not pretend to provide an exhaustive overview rather its structure can be integrated by any
other solution that might derive form future experimentations (see for example the case of
the Poptahof – Delft - that is currently under development).
By using the matrix, of each measure can be checked the respective weakness and
strengths. Examining strengths and weakness of each physical measure, general
observations can be done. Those observations regard the relevant issues considered in the
matrix itself that are: housing differentiation, accessibility, non-residential functions,
appearance and demolition.
The matrix could actually contribute supporting decision making of housing association and
other groups only if solutions on higher levels are adopted. Such solutions might be inspired
by the following ten directions grouped as those directed to the model of housing association
and to implementation of renovation.
Directions from the first group:
less restrictive rents and selling prices,
introduction of a professional (re)development department within ATER
split up ATER into a social and commercial organization.
Directions from the second group:
Ad-hoc regulations for transformations of existing housing blocks
Differentiate housing supply to meet requirements of specific target groups.
Combine housing differentiation with reduction of uncontrolled public spaces.
Improve energy efficiency of the building envelope.
Transform physical characteristics of the building envelope to get attractive
neighbourhoods.
Design physical transformations in agreement with structural advisers.
Employ new housing as temporary accommodations for tenants
The first group constitutes the prerequisite for implementation of directions in the second
group. Clearly all of them need further explorations and assessments to check the actual
feasibility.
INTRODUCTION TO THE NINTH CHAPTER
The ninth and last chapter concerns the major conclusions of this study. It also provides
recommendation for practice and for further research of the subject of renovation. This is
particularly important in the view of the complex problem of renovation. However, the
recommendations are drawn not only for the Italian but also for the Dutch context.
16. H